The story, also adapted into a live-action film, is told from the point of view of 14-year-old Eriko, who is left in charge of her younger brother Daigo, when her parents disappear. Contrary to most manga, in Route 225, the disappearing parents are a major part of the plot. Mum and Dad have somehow been transported to an alternate world, from which they are still somehow able to dial back cryptic messages to Earth mobile phones. The result is a great angle on so many teen manga!

The novel centers on two old friends, Natsuko Sakurai and Noe Oota. Both women are single and in their mid-50s, and have remained steadfast friends since childhood, supporting each other while still living in the apartment complex where they both grew up. Natsuko makes a living as an illustrator while buying and selling items online. Noe works a stressful job as a part-time college lecturer. (Source: Anime News Network)